Chicken Island
Walk between islands on a magical sandbar at low tide, surrounded by powdery white beaches and turquoise waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the sandbar, fewer crowds
Chicken Island
Best Time
See the sandbar, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk between islands on a magical sandbar at low tide, surrounded by powdery white beaches and turquoise waters.
"The 'Separated Sea' at Chicken Island is a breathtaking natural wonder you can walk across!"
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The 'Separated Sea' is only visible at low tide. Plan your trip around this for the best experience.
Book an Island Tour :boat:
Chicken Island is best accessed via boat tour from Ao Nang or nearby areas. Haggle for prices!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thale Waek (Separated Sea)
Connecting Chicken Island, Tub Island, and Mor Island
Walk across a sandbar connecting islands during low tide. A truly unique and breathtaking experience!
Powdery White Sand Beaches
Chicken Island
Sink your toes into soft, powdery white sand. Perfect for relaxing and soaking in the stunning ocean views.
Crystal-Clear Waters
Surrounding Chicken Island
Swim, snorkel, or simply admire the vibrant turquoise waters. Ideal for underwater exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Thale Waek
Island Hopping Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do in Ao Nang
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The 'Separated Sea' is only visible at low tide. Plan your trip around this for the best experience.
Book an Island Tour :boat:
Chicken Island is best accessed via boat tour from Ao Nang or nearby areas. Haggle for prices!
Ao Nang (Krabi) is getting boring really fast
First Time visiting Ao Nang (September)
Mobility Considerations :walking:
Getting on/off longtail boats can be tricky. Consider speedboats if mobility is a concern.
Pack Light & Smart :handbag:
No bathrooms on the island. Stores close early if you stay late. Bring essentials.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The 'Separated Sea' is only visible at low tide. Plan your trip around this for the best experience.
Book an Island Tour :boat:
Chicken Island is best accessed via boat tour from Ao Nang or nearby areas. Haggle for prices!
Mobility Considerations :walking:
Getting on/off longtail boats can be tricky. Consider speedboats if mobility is a concern.
Pack Light & Smart :handbag:
No bathrooms on the island. Stores close early if you stay late. Bring essentials.
Beware of Sinking Sand :warning:
Some areas of the beach can feel like sinking sand. Be mindful of your footing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chicken Island's main draw is the stunning Thale Waek sandbar, offering a unique walk between islands at low tide. Visitors rave about the powdery white beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a highlight of island-hopping tours. Some find boat access challenging and note the lack of facilities, but the natural beauty and serene atmosphere, especially at sunset, are consistently praised.
"Tub Islands as part of & island tour at Krabi show a stunning snowy white beach that connects two picturesque islands. The ocean view is absolutely breathtaking with crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery white sand beach which will give a memorable island-hopping adventure. One of its unique features is that you can walk across the sea from one island to another during low tide.
Ko Thap (Spelled Tub sometimes). This island is a member of the Poda Archipelago, which is composed of Poda Island, Tub Island, Mor Island and Kai Island. Locals refer to Tab Island as Koh Tub At low tide, the three islands form together, called ‘Tha-le Waek" (Separated Sea)."
K M Hasan Tareq
"Disclaimer: You can not get here without boat. If you have mobility issues this trip will be hard for you. Long boat you must claim later in and out of boat. Not sure about the speed boat.
This place is so nice. With low tide you can walk across between islands. The view for sunset you must go. I went on Tuesday sunset and there was no one really there but our boat which was max 10 people. No bathroom on this island. If you go at night you will not be able to buy anything from the stores on island as they close early. When walking on the beach there is some sort of like sinking sand that you think you are stepping on normal sand since it looks normal but the ground will fall beneath you l."
Eboni Douglas-Blaize
"We got to this island as part of the 7-island boat tour—we paid 800 baht for it (had to haggle pretty hard for that price).
Honestly, this island was the highlight. It was quite windy when we went there so our driver had some issues with parking the boat by the beach. And the wind made it a little hard to fully enjoy the beauty of the beach.
But the island itself? Stunning. Beautiful views and a gorgeous sunset.
The food was alright—nothing special, but it did the job."
Erik Eriksson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chicken Island (Ko Kai) is not accessible by land. The most common way to visit is by booking an island-hopping tour from Ao Nang or Krabi. These tours typically use longtail boats or speedboats and often include stops at other nearby islands like Poda and Tup Island.
Longtail boats are a popular and often more affordable option for tours from Ao Nang. Speedboats offer a faster journey. Prices can vary, and haggling is common for tour packages.
While you can hire a private longtail boat, it's generally more cost-effective and convenient to join a group tour that includes Chicken Island as part of a multi-island itinerary.
No, there are no public ferries directly to Chicken Island. Access is exclusively via private or tour boat services.
Travel time by longtail boat from Ao Nang to Chicken Island is typically around 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the specific tour route. Speedboats are quicker.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entry fee for Chicken Island itself, you will need to pay for a boat tour or private boat hire to get there. Some tours may include national park fees.
Tour prices can vary significantly. A typical 7-island tour including Chicken Island might cost around 800 baht, but it's advisable to haggle for a better price.
Some of the islands visited on tours, like those within the Poda Archipelago, may have national park fees. These are sometimes included in the tour price, but it's good to clarify.
Yes, you can usually book tours on the day from tour operators in Ao Nang, but booking in advance might secure better prices or specific tour times.
Tours typically run during daylight hours, departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. Sunset tours are also available.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
The primary draw is Thale Waek, the 'Separated Sea,' a sandbar that emerges at low tide, connecting Chicken Island to neighboring islets. The island also boasts beautiful beaches and clear waters.
You can walk the sandbar during low tide, swim, snorkel in the clear waters, relax on the beach, and enjoy the scenic views.
Yes, the waters around Chicken Island are generally clear and offer decent snorkeling opportunities to see marine life.
Light, comfortable clothing, swimwear, and a hat are recommended. Water shoes can be useful for walking on the beach and getting in/out of boats.
There are no permanent facilities like restrooms or shops on Chicken Island. Stores on nearby islands close early if you plan to stay late.
📸 📸 Photography
The emerging sandbar of Thale Waek during low tide is iconic. The panoramic views from the island's rocky outcrops and the pristine beaches are also excellent photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Low tide is crucial for capturing the Thale Waek phenomenon.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended due to the water activities. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive ocean and beach views.
The unique geological formation of the sandbar connecting the islands at low tide provides a truly distinctive photographic subject.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories before flying a drone, as there may be restrictions in marine national park areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and snacks, as there are no facilities on the island. The novelty of the sandbar and the beautiful beaches make it a memorable stop on an island-hopping trip, but ensure you check tide times to maximize the experience. The 'sinking sand' mentioned by some visitors is a minor concern, but keeping an eye on children while they explore is always wise.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for tours that bundle multiple islands, as this often provides better value than visiting each location individually. While there might not be a direct entrance fee for Chicken Island itself, be aware of potential national park fees that may be added to your tour cost. The sheer natural beauty of the 'Separated Sea' makes it a worthwhile experience even on a tight budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Thale Waek
To witness Thale Waek at its best, timing is crucial. You must plan your visit around the lowest point of the tide. Checking local tide charts in advance is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss this spectacular event. The experience is often described as walking on a snowy white beach, with crystal-clear waters on either side. It's a moment of pure natural beauty that encapsulates the allure of Thailand's Andaman coast.
Navigating Island Hopping Logistics
When booking a tour, be prepared to haggle for the price, especially for longtail boat excursions. A 7-island tour, which often includes Chicken Island, might be negotiated down to around 800 baht. It's also important to clarify what is included in the tour price, as some may have additional national park fees. Remember that facilities on the islands are minimal; there are no restrooms or shops on Chicken Island itself, and vendors on nearby islands close early, so pack accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit